Sunday, 30 August 2015

Brady welcomes upgrade of fire hydrants in Kilmacanogue

Wicklow Sinn Féin Councillor John Brady has welcomed the news from Wicklow Fire Service that upgrade work will be carried on the fire hydrants in the Carraigoona Close and Rockfield Park housing estates in Kilmacanogue.

Speaking after receiving the news the Sinn Féin Councillor said “Having been contacted by a number of residents from the Carraigoona Close and Rockfield Park housing estates who had concerns about the fire hydrants in the area. I contacted the fire service who checked all the hydrants in the area and identified a number that needed to be upgraded. Thankfully this work will be carried out in the next week or so”.

Speaking about the importance of the hydrants Brady said “There have been a number of emergency incidents in the past when tackling a blaze the fire crews have had difficulties trying to locate them and in some cases the hydrants weren’t operational. In 2006 following a blaze in Bray where a hydrant was found not to operational I forced Bray Town council to carry out an extensive survey of all hydrants in the town council area. They mapped over 700 fire hydrants, 70 need upgrading and 30 need replacing”.

“Fire hydrants are a connection point by which firefighters can tap into a water supply, which means they don’t need back up water tankers. It’s essential that when needed they are easily found and functional. All hydrants within Wicklow need to be checked on an annual basis to ensure they are functional and that the water pressure high enough. I’m calling on the council to ensure this is done and that all hydrants are mapped and all covers are painted yellow so they are clearly identifiable”.

Brady concluded “I welcome the news that the hydrants in Kilmacanogue are going to be upgraded in the next week or so, this will also be met with relief by the residents in Carraigoona Close and Rockfield Park”. Ends